Is a cat a part of your family? If you are, then you will know how precious that cat is. All cats need proper care and love. Luckily, you can provide everything your cat will need. This article will show you how its done.

Good grooming is important for cats. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. If you do this frequently you’ll be able to help the cat have clean fur. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. Regularly grooming keeps cats looking well and keeps your home neater.

TIP! Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Even though a cat may live inside, you never know if it will run out the door to escape.

A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. They’ll understand what your cat has been through.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.

Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. This approach takes time, but it usually works.

TIP! Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. They get very active at night.

Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. To help prevent this from occurring, buy your cat special food. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.

Don’t try and teach your kitty how the litter box is supposed to be used. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.

Make canned food the mainstay of your cat’s diet. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. There is more water in canned food and more protein and fat too. Older cats also find it easier to chew up. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.

Aired Cat

You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. Cats are beautiful with hair that is long and silky. Your clothes, floors and furniture aren’t. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. They can also have more health issues due to hairballs.

Carefully consider where you will place your friend’s litter box. Do not hide the box simply to reduce the smell. It is equally important that the litter box is readily accessible to your cat, though. This will keep your cat as happy as possible. For example, a rug or mat is a good way to make a litter box placed on a concrete floor more attractive to your cat.

TIP! It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs.

By getting your cat the shots and check-ups that it needs, you’ll be able to make sure that your cat lives as long as possible. Cats need to have vaccines and check-ups just like children. This can help to prevent diseases. When you have a cat, it becomes a member of your family, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s as healthy as possible.

Litter Box

If you’re dealing with a cat that won’t use the litter box, you should place it somewhere else. Instinctively, cat’s will search out a safe place to eliminate, so try relocating the litter box to a quiet and secluded area. The best places are basements and laundry rooms.

TIP! You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency.

Never give your pet any drugs that were designed for use by humans. If you cat suffers from health issues, ask your vet for his recommended treatment option. Giving the cat medication that wasn’t meant for them can really hurt them or even kill them.

Your cat may be lonely if you return to work after adopting them. In order to prevent them from becoming too lonely whenever you’re away, consider adopting a second cat.

Try to feed your cat dry food as much as possible. Kittens need wet food, though. However, dry food is better for adult cat teeth. Try combining both dry and wet food together should you have a finicky feline.

TIP! When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t.

Avoid overfeeding your cat because this can cause many health issues. Overeating can cause your cat to become obese and susceptible to health problems. Don’t overfeed your cat and ensure that his diet is healthy.

Cats may be affected by the same illnesses humans get. You will probably be able to tell if your cat isn’t at 100 percent. If so, be sure and make an appointment with your vet. The vet can then rule out serious conditions.

Your cat is subject to rabies, fleas and fungus if let to go outdoors. Some of those issues may affect indoor cats, but cats that are outside have a higher chance of dealing with them.

TIP! If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. You may think it’s something you can take care of on your own, but other people that own cats could help.

You should reconsider a choice of providing table scraps to your cat. Cats can’t digest many human foods, and many are even dangerous to them. Egg, chicken, beef or fish are good options for a cat. You don’t need to overfeed a cat, though, or he can become overweight.

You love your cat, and you want to make sure you’re giving it the best care you can. Now that you’ve read this, you should know much more about proper cat care. Use these ideas to make sure your cat remains happy and healthy. Give your cat love, and enjoy the love it gives to you.